January 17, 2008
Secretary Bodman Meets with Jordanian Prime Minister to Tout Role of Energy Diversity
Visits Royal Scientific Society and Holds Bilateral Energy Discussions with Senior Government Officials
AMMAN, JORDAN – On his first stop of a six-nation swing through the Middle East and Europe, U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman met with Prime Minister Nader al-Dahabi in Amman, Jordan to highlight the nations’ growing energy cooperation aimed at increasing global energy security. Secretary Bodman also visited Jordan’s Royal Scientific Society where he met with the Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology Dr. Walid Al Turk and discussed the role of science and technology in providing solutions to global energy challenges. Jordan’s Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST) is a scientific and technological center in the Kingdom of Jordan and is responsible for research, development, and training to accelerate the use of new and renewable energy technologies.
“The U.S. and Jordan have a strong and growing relationship in advancing global energy security. Cutting-edge energy technologies such as those being developed in Jordan complement efforts underway in the United States to harness scientific innovation to provide greater energy options,” Secretary Bodman said. “Through robust investment in the development of a diversity of energy sources, including nuclear power, alternative and renewable energy sources, and conventional sources, Jordan can increase its long term energy security and power economic growth.”
During his meeting with Prime Minister Nader al-Dahabi, Secretary Bodman highlighted Jordan’s participation in the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) and the importance of regional and global cooperation to safely increase the peaceful use of nuclear energy to meet rapidly increasing global electricity demand. He also reaffirmed the United States’ strong energy cooperation with Jordan and discussed the importance of adopting policies that attract investment in alternative and conventional energy resources.
Secretary Bodman also held bilateral energy discussions with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Dr. Salaheddine Al Beshir; Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Khaldoun Qutishat; and Chief of the Royal Court Bassem Awadallah where he highlighted the importance of increasing the use of alternative energy, promoting greater energy efficiency, and promoting measures that enable robust investment to develop energy resources.
Jordan joined GNEP at its second Ministerial meeting in Vienna, Austria last September where the Partnership tripled in size and developed a framework to address issues of nuclear fuel services and infrastructure development to enable nations to share the benefits of nuclear power worldwide. GNEP, which currently enjoys the participation of 19 nations, seeks to expand the use of clean and affordable nuclear energy for peaceful purposes worldwide by promoting a closed nuclear fuel cycle that responsibly manages nuclear waste, furthers nonproliferation goals and increases global energy security.
Jordan is the first stop in Secretary Bodman’s ten day, six-nation visit to the Middle East and Europe. From Jordan, Secretary Bodman will travel to Saudi Arabia before continuing his trip through the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt where he will continue dialogues with global leaders to enhance the United States’ relationship with oil-producing nations, promote sustained investment in conventional and alternative energy sources, and encourage improvements in global energy efficiency through breakthrough technologies. Before returning to the United States, Secretary Bodman plans to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Learn additional information on the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.
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